What is the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS)?

The CDC’s Strategic National Stockpile is the nation’s largest supply of potentially life-saving medications and medical supplies for use in a public health emergency severe enough to cause local supplies to run out. The stockpile ensures the right medicines and supplies are available when and where needed to save lives.

The SNS includes medicine and medical supplies that can prevent or treat diseases related to a public health emergency. With access to these, the stockpile can respond to:

• Bacterial and viral diseases
• Pandemic influenza
• Radiation/nuclear emergencies
• Chemical attacks
• Natural disasters

What is a Point of Dispensing (POD)?

Points of dispensing (POD) are pre-identified sites strategically distributed throughout the city where the public can pick up medications to protect them against a threat during public health emergencies.

• Only medication for the particular threat will be dispensed at a POD Site. For example, if the threat is an anthrax release, then PODs will only dispense antibiotics for anthrax.
• The medication is free to everyone.
• No one will be asked for proof of residence, citizenship status or personal identification.
• The DPH uses a head of household dispensing model. This means that one adult can pick up medications for all the members of their household as long as they can answer a few basic questions for each person: name, date of birth, gender, and allergies. This reduces the volume of people at each POD and allows for faster dispensing times.
• PODs will NOT treat sick people. If you are sick, you must report to your primary care physician, hospital, or urgent care site.
• Lines will be very long, be prepared to wait for a while. Everyone will need to be patient. Many people will need to pick up medication.

There are two types of PODs:

• Open PODs are open to the general public and will be announced using multiple media resources.
• Closed PODs are only open to specific groups. For example, large corporations, jails, or nursing homes may set up dispensing operations for the population they serve. If your organization is interested in becoming a closed POD, click here.

How to prepare to attend a POD?

• Fill out your household’s Screening Form BEFORE arriving at the POD. This will be available online and via your phone app through Dispense Assist when the PODs are activated.
• Dress appropriately for weather and standing, lines will be long being that we will be serving the entire El Paso population.
• Bring a snack, water, and any medication you may need to take on a schedule.
• If possible, leave your children and other family members at home. Fewer people at the POD will allow for more efficient dispensing.

Steps to follow to receive medication at a POD

• Step 1: BEFORE arriving at the POD, complete the Dispense Assist Screening Form for you and your household members. You may print each of the vouchers generated or show them to the staff from your Dispense Assist phone app.
• Step 2: At the POD, provide screening forms
• Step 3: Pick up medication
• Step 4: Final questions

State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry (STEAR)

STEAR is a free and voluntary service that helps local emergency responders have access to critical information when a disaster strikes.
Information provided during registration is shared with emergency planners and emergency responders to help ensure El Paso and County residents with access and functional needs have the services they need in an emergency.

All information provided is confidential.

Individuals encouraged to register in STEAR are as follows:

• People with disabilities
• People who are medically fragile
• People with access and functional needs such as:
  • Limited mobility
  • Communication barriers
  • Require additional medical assistance during an emergency
• People who require personal care assistance
• People who require transportation assistance

El Paso residents may register using the following methods: 

• Online at stear.tdem.texas.gov
• Call 211 
• Fax or email completed forms to (866) 557-1074 or [email protected] 

Staff will be available for in-person registration assistance at the following locations: 

• Pavo Real Senior Center, 9311 Alameda Ave.
  9:45 a.m. Tuesday, January 10  
• South El Paso Senior Center, 600 S. Ochoa 
  11 a.m. Wednesday, January 11 
• Canutillo Senior Center, 7351 Bosque Rd., Canutillo, TX 
  10:30 a.m. Thursday, January 12  
• Wellington Chew, 4430 Maxwell Ave. 
  10 a.m. Friday, January 13  
• Eastside Senior Center, 3200 Fierro Dr. 
  9:30 a.m. Tuesday, January 17  
• Hilos de Plata Senior Center, 4451 Delta Dr. 
  1 p.m. Tuesday, January 17  
• Montana Vista (La Fe), 14664 Gregg 
  9:30 a.m. Friday, January 20 

For more information call 211, visit ElPasoReady.org or see the Press Release

What is radiation?

People are continuously exposed to radiation from natural sources such as cosmic rocks and soil, food, water, air, etc. However, other sources such as airline travel, medical procedures, fallout from past nuclear weapons testing, and radiation emergencies can also expose individuals to high levels of radiation.

What are radiation emergencies?

• Nuclear
• Dirty Bomb or Radiological Dispersal Device
• Radiological Dispersal Device
• Radiological Exposure Device
• Nuclear Power Plant Accident
• Transportation Accidents
• Occupational Accidents

What should you do in a radiation emergency?

• Get inside: Get to the middle of the building or basement, away from doors and windows
• Stay inside: Take a shower or wipe exposed parts of your body with a damp cloth
• Stay tuned: Use radios, televisions, computers, etc. to stay informed

Upcoming Training

Please join us at the upcoming Radiation Preparedness Training Sessions. In order to register please go to www.preparingtexas.org. Please see the instructions on how to create an account to be able to register.

What will the health department do in an emergency dealing with radiation?

Depending on the incident and radioactive material involved, the health department will assist in the response by setting up a Community Reception Center to:

• Conduct population monitoring
• Dry decontaminate those who might be contaminated
• Dispense prophylactic medication, if available

Resources

Infographic Improvised Nuclear Device
Infographic Nuclear Power Plant
Infographic Nuclear Weapon
Infographic Radiological Dispersal Device
Infographic Radiological Exposure Device
Infographic Transportation Accidents
Infographic Workplace Radiation Incidents